Science & Tech · Space · 14 hrs ago
Study suggests daily exercise may protect astronauts’ hearts on Mars trips
A study of 13 astronauts found their hearts handled simulated Mars gravity after about six months in orbit.
The astronauts’ heart function was tested before, during and after their missions using ultrasound scans.
Their typical mission lasted 164 days, and they followed a NASA exercise program for up to two hours a day.
On Earth, standing sends blood toward the lower body, and after weightlessness this can cause a sudden blood-pressure drop and dizziness.
Mars has about 38% of Earth’s gravity, so researchers wanted to know whether astronauts could manage its pull after a long journey in space.
The results suggest daily exercise may help astronauts stand and work on Mars after arriving.
The study offers a promising sign, but it involved only 13 people and tested their response to simulated Mars gravity.
A study of 13 astronauts suggests daily exercise may help protect heart function during long space missions.
After about six months in orbit, the astronauts’ hearts handled simulated Mars gravity as well as they had handled standing on Earth before launch.
The findings suggest crews may be able to stand and work on Mars after a six-month journey.
The astronauts followed a NASA exercise program involving workouts of up to two hours a day.
Their hearts changed most during the first two weeks of flight.
- Who
- A study team examined 13 astronauts. James Thomas of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine was the study’s senior author.
- What
- The study found that astronauts’ hearts handled simulated Mars gravity after about six months in orbit, and suggests daily exercise may help protect heart function.
- When
- The astronauts’ typical mission lasted 164 days.
- Where
- The astronauts were in orbit on the International Space Station; the study assessed their hearts’ responses to simulated Mars gravity.
- Why
- Researchers examined whether astronauts’ hearts and blood vessels could manage the change from weightlessness to Mars’ gravity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The astronauts’ hearts were assessed on Earth, including how they responded to standing upright.
The astronauts’ hearts changed most during this period.
Astronauts scanned one another’s hearts every few weeks, and the research team tracked the images.
The astronauts’ hearts handled simulated Mars gravity as well as they had handled standing on Earth before launch.
- Study group
- 13 astronauts
- Typical mission
- 164 days
- Daily exercise
- Up to two hours
- Mars gravity
- About 38% of Earth’s
- Heart monitoring
- Ultrasound scans before, during and after the mission
What people are saying
With our findings, there is now reason to think that we would be able to traverse to Mars, get there and actually work on the surface of Mars
To counter that, exercise is crucial when you’re in space